Viking is ramping up its cruise ship orders with Fincantieri, recently converting options into two additional orders and adding four more options for future ships. This latest deal marks the second order in just five months, bringing Viking's total to ten ships on order with the Italian shipbuilder. The collaboration between Viking and Fincantieri began in 2012 with the design of Viking Star, launched in 2015 as the first in their ocean-going fleet. Originally designed as a 47,800 gross ton luxury cruise ship with space for 930 passengers and 465 crew members, the ships measure 745 feet in length. Viking’s standardized design approach has proven successful, leading to ten ships from the initial design—nine of which are currently operating for Viking, while one was sold to a Chinese joint venture. Recent safety regulations prompted minor modifications for a new series of sister ships, which have been expanded to at least ten vessels. The new ships will be slightly larger, at 54,300 gross tons, accommodating 998 passengers across 499 cabins. While Fincantieri hasn’t disclosed the exact value of these contracts, it has classified the orders as “large,” indicating a value between €500 million and €1 billion ($539 million to $1.1 billion). The first of the new class, named Viking Vela, is set to enter service later this year, with a total of eight cruise ships expected to be delivered by 2029. The latest orders extend delivery dates into 2031 and 2032. This surge in orders showcases the cruise industry's recovery post-pandemic and Fincantieri's growing order book, which also includes large contracts from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Carnival Corporation. Recently, Fincantieri marked the start of steel cutting for two new cruise ships for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reflecting a strong outlook for the cruise market. The shipbuilder currently has a total of 35 cruise ship orders scheduled for delivery through 2033, including LNG-fueled vessels and ultra-luxury options.